JP2000282422A - Blinking synchronous road equipment by vehicle head light beam - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform an effective sight line guidance at night also for a currently passing vehicle. SOLUTION: This equipment comprises light detection means 63 for detecting the start of irradiation of a vehicle head light beam to a road equipment and a reset circuit 62 for inputting irradiation start detection signals from the light detection means 63 and, at the same time, outputting reset signals to a dividing circuit 61. When the vehicle head light beam is irradiated at night, a light emitting body 19 is operated with flashing using this irradiation start time point as a new blinking start timing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to ancillary devices such as a curbstone, a road stud, a gaze guide, and the like, which have a light-emitting device such as a light-emitting diode, and in which the light-emitting device blinks.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As ancillary facilities such as curbstone tacks, road tacks, and gaze guides, there are provided a solar cell, a power storage unit for storing electromotive force of the solar cell, a luminous body, and a day / night determining circuit for determining nighttime. An oscillating circuit, a frequency dividing circuit for dividing the output signal of the oscillating circuit, and an output signal of the frequency dividing circuit, which is arranged on an energizing path from the power storage unit to the light emitting body, and when the nighttime is determined by the day / night determining circuit There is known a road supplementary equipment including a blinking control circuit that performs a switching operation in synchronization with the power supply and intermittently supplies power of a power storage unit to a light emitting unit.

[0003] Usually, a plurality of these road auxiliary equipments are arranged side by side according to the shape of the road to be installed. For this reason, if the individual facilities perform the blinking operation completely independently, the blinking operation will be non-uniform as a whole, and the effectiveness as the road supplementary facility cannot be sufficiently exhibited.

In view of the above, various proposals have conventionally been made to make a plurality of road-related facilities perform a collective blinking operation as a whole. One of the proposals is to detect vehicle headlight at night. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-3944 discloses that the light-emitting body is caused to perform a blinking operation by using this detection end time as a new blinking start timing.

[0005]

However, according to this proposal, since the synchronized blinking operation is performed after the vehicle passes, the vehicle that is passing is still blinked in a random manner, There is a problem that effective gaze guidance or the like cannot be performed on a passing vehicle. Also, if a new vehicle does not pass even after a long period of time after synchronization has been established, the flickering operation will be different again due to variations in the characteristics of the oscillation circuit etc., which is effective for vehicles that newly pass. Another problem is that it is not possible to perform easy gaze guidance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a road supplementary facility capable of performing effective gaze guidance and the like even at night, even for a vehicle currently passing therethrough. To provide.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a flashing synchronous roadside facility using vehicle headlights, which distinguishes between a solar cell, a power storage unit for storing the electromotive force of the solar cell, and a luminous body at night. A day / night discriminating circuit, an oscillating circuit, a frequency dividing circuit for dividing the output signal of the oscillating circuit, and an energizing path from the power storage unit to the luminous body, wherein night is discriminated by the day / night discriminating circuit. A flashing control circuit that performs a switching operation in synchronization with an output signal of the frequency dividing circuit and intermittently supplies power of the power storage unit to the light emitting unit. A light detection unit that detects the start of irradiation of vehicle headlight light; and a reset circuit that outputs a reset signal to the frequency dividing circuit at the same time as inputting an irradiation start detection signal from the light detection unit. When the vehicle headlight optical is irradiated, characterized by flashing operating the light emitting element of this irradiation start point as the new flashing start timing.

Further, during a period from when the light detecting means detects the start of irradiation of the first vehicle headlight to when a predetermined time elapses, the light detecting means detects irradiation of the next vehicle headlight. And a synchronization control circuit for holding the reset circuit in a non-operating state.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a curbstone tack as a flash-synchronous road-related equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the curbstone tack, and FIG. 1 shown
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electric system of the stone rivet, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the electric system. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the electric system according to another embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of a road showing an example of installation of the curbstone.

As shown in FIG. 8, the curb stud 1 according to this embodiment is installed at an appropriate interval on a curb 300 arranged along the boundary between the roadway 100 and the sidewalk 200, and blinks. This allows the driver of the vehicle 400 to visually recognize the boundary.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the curb stud 1 includes a tack main body 3 having an attachment portion 2 to a curb 300. The stud body 3 has a vertical through-hole 4, and a transparent protective case 5 is disposed in the through-hole 4 from the back side.

The lower opening 6 of the protective case 5 has a packing 7
The outer peripheral portion of the packing 7 is pressed against the lower surface 9 of the protective case 5 by the back plate 8, and the sealing property of the protective case 5 is ensured.

A control circuit case 11 is fixed in an inner space 10 of the protection case 5. In an upper space 12 of the control circuit case 11, a solar cell 14 that generates an electromotive force by receiving sunlight passing through the top plate 13 of the protective case 5 is provided.

In the lower space 15 of the control circuit case 11,
A control circuit 16 and a plurality of power storage elements, preferably electric double layer capacitors 17, are provided.

A plurality (three in this embodiment) of light emitters, preferably light emitting diodes 19, and a plurality (two in this embodiment) of optical sensors 20 are arranged on the front plate portion 18 of the protective case 5. Has been established. A plurality of light emitting diodes 19
Are electrically connected to the control circuit 16 and blink at the same time by the drive current from the control circuit 16 so that the vehicle 400
Is visually recognized by the driver on the boundary between the roadway 100 and the sidewalk 200. The plurality of optical sensors 20 are electrically connected to the control circuit 16 and, when receiving the vehicle headlight light 500, output an electric signal corresponding to the amount of received light to the control circuit 16.

The electric system of the curb stud 1 having the above structure is configured as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, an electric double layer capacitor 17 is connected to a solar cell 14 via a charging circuit 50.
The electromotive force of the solar cell 14 is stored in the electric double layer capacitor 17.

The charging circuit 50 includes the electric double layer capacitor 1
7 includes a constant voltage charging circuit 51 for performing constant voltage charging and a direct connection charging circuit 52 for performing direct connection charging to the electric double layer capacitor 17, and a voltage monitoring circuit for monitoring a terminal voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 17. 53 causes one of the charging circuits 51 or 52 to be in an operating state and the other charging circuit 5
1 or 52 is set to the non-operation state.

Here, when the terminal voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 17 drops to the charging start voltage, the voltage monitoring circuit 53 inverts the constant voltage charging circuit 51 to a non-operation state and sets the direct connection charging circuit 52 to an operation state. Invert and also
When the terminal voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 17 rises to the full charge voltage, the direct connection charging circuit 52 is inverted to the non-operation state and the constant voltage charging circuit 51 is inverted to the operation state.

Constant voltage charging circuit 51 and direct connection charging circuit 52
Are connected to backflow blocking diodes 54 and 55 for preventing a problem that current flows from the electric double layer capacitor 17 to the solar cell 14, respectively.

The light emitting diode 19 is connected to the electric double layer capacitor 17 via a blinking control circuit 56.

The flicker control circuit 56 includes a day / night discriminating circuit 57.
And a switching control circuit 58 are connected to each other.

The day / night discriminating circuit 57 is a circuit for discriminating nighttime based on a decrease in the electromotive voltage of the solar cell 14 at nighttime.

The switching control circuit 58 is a circuit for causing the blinking control circuit 56 to perform a switching operation. The blinking control circuit 56 intermittently discharges the charge of the electric double layer capacitor 17 by the switching operation and blinks the light emitting diode 19 periodically when the nighttime is discriminated by the day / night discriminating circuit 57.

The switching control circuit 58 includes a constant voltage circuit 59 and an oscillation circuit 60 (the oscillation frequency f is, for example, 4.194304M) using the constant voltage of the constant voltage circuit 59 as a power supply.
Hz. ) And a frequency divider 6 that divides the frequency of the output signal of the oscillation circuit 60 and outputs the frequency-divided signal to the blinking control circuit 56
1 (the frequency division ratio is 1/2091522, for example).

A reset circuit 62 is connected to the frequency dividing circuit 61. The reset circuit 62 is connected to a light detecting means 63 for detecting the start of the irradiation of the vehicle headlamp light 500 to the curbstone tack 1.

The light detecting means 63 includes: the light sensor 20;
The vehicle headlight 500 based on the light receiving signal of the optical sensor 20
And a headlight light detection circuit 64 for detecting the start of irradiation (for example, a rising edge of the signal) from the headlight light detection signal of the headlight light detection circuit 64, and outputs the irradiation start detection signal to the reset circuit 62. And a synchronization control circuit 65 for outputting.

The reset circuit 62 receives the irradiation start detection signal from the synchronization control circuit 65 and outputs a reset signal to the frequency dividing circuit 61 at the same time. The frequency dividing circuit 61 is reset by the reset signal and outputs the frequency dividing signal to the blink control circuit 56 at a new timing.

Next, the main operation of the electric system configured as described above will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 6 as an example. The timing chart shown in FIG. 6 shows three consecutive curbstones 1 when the vehicle 400 is traveling on a road as shown in FIG.
b, 1c, output signals a1, b of the day / night discriminating circuit 57
1, c1, output signals a2, b2, c of the blink control circuit 56
2. Output signals a3, b3, c of the headlight light detection circuit 64
3. Reset signals a4, b4, c4 of reset circuit 62
Is represented.

First, while each of the day / night discriminating circuits 57 discriminates between daytime, the output signals a1, b1, and c1 are all at a low level, each blinking control circuit 56 is inactive, and the output signal is at a low level. Is maintained, and the light emitting diode 19 is in the light-off state.

After that, when each day / night discriminating circuit 57 discriminates between nights, the output signals a1, b1 and c1 are inverted to high level, the blinking control circuit 56 starts switching operation and the electric double layer capacitor 17 emits light. The driving current intermittently flows through the diode 19, and the light emitting diode 19
Flashes periodically. At this time, each curb stud 1
The blink timings of the light emitting diodes 19 of a, 1b, and 1c do not usually coincide with each other due to variations in circuit characteristics between the curb studs 1a, 1b, and 1c.

After that, when the vehicle 400 approaches and the curbstone tack 1a closest to the vehicle 400 is irradiated by the headlight 500, the light sensor 20, the headlight light detection circuit 64, the synchronization control circuit 65, A reset signal is output to the frequency dividing circuit 61 almost simultaneously with the start of irradiation of the headlight 500 via the reset circuit 62, and the frequency dividing circuit 61 is reset. As a result, the frequency dividing circuit 61 outputs a frequency-divided signal to the blinking control circuit 56 at a new timing, and the blinking control circuit 56 blinks the light emitting diode 19 at a new blinking start timing.

When the headlight 500 is irradiated on the subsequent curb stud 1b with a slight delay after that, as described above,
The frequency dividing circuit 61 of the curb stud 1b is reset, and the blinking control circuit 56 blinks the light emitting diode 19 at a new blinking start timing.

Further, when the headlight 500 is applied to the subsequent curb stud 1c with a slight delay, the frequency dividing circuit 61 of the curb stud 1c is reset, and the blinking control circuit 56 The light emitting diode 19 is caused to blink at a new blinking start timing.

Thereafter, the following curb studs 1d, 1e, 1
f,... are sequentially irradiated with headlight light 500,
The blinking control circuit 56 of each curb stud 1d, 1e, 1f,.
The light emitting diode 19 is caused to blink at a new blinking start timing.

As described above, the curb studs 1a which are continuously arranged,
, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f,... Cause the light-emitting diode 19 to blink at a new blinking start timing based on the start of irradiation of the headlight 500 with the approach of the vehicle 400, and are continuously arranged. Curb studs 1a, 1b, 1
c, 1d, 1e, 1f,..., a coherent and synchronized blinking operation as a whole is obtained. Therefore, curb stud 1
a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f,..., the driver of a following vehicle located far from the vehicle 400 can clearly see the boundary between the roadway 100 and the sidewalk 200, as well as the vehicle 400 currently running. Roadway 100
It can be expected that the boundary between the pedestrian and the sidewalk 200 is sufficiently visible.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the main operation of the electrical system of the curb stud 1 according to another embodiment.

The electric system of the curbstone stud 1 is configured in the same manner as the electric system shown in FIG. However, the synchronization control circuit 6
5 is a time period from when the start of irradiation of the first vehicle headlight light 500 is detected until a predetermined time T elapses, the headlight light detection circuit 64 is located in front of the vehicle of the following vehicle traveling at relatively short vehicle intervals. It is configured to perform an operation of holding the reset circuit 62 in a non-operating state even when the irradiation of the illumination light 500 is detected. The timing chart shown in FIG.
8 shows three continuous curbstone tacks 1 when the vehicle 400 is traveling on a road as shown in FIG.
b, 1c, output signals a1, b of the day / night discriminating circuit 57
1, c1, output signals a2, b2, c of the blink control circuit 56
2. Output signals a3, b3, c of the headlight light detection circuit 64
3. Reset signals a4, b4, c of reset circuit 62
4 and d4.

In this electric system, the day / night discriminating circuit 57
During the daytime is determined, the light-emitting diode 19 is kept off as in the timing chart of FIG.
When the vehicle 400 approaches at night and the curb studs 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f,...
Operate in the same manner as the electric system shown in FIG. 1 and the curb studs 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f,.
00, the light emitting diode 19 at a new blinking start timing based on the start of the irradiation of the headlight 500.
Blinks, and the curb studs 1a, 1b, 1c, 1
.. d, 1e, 1f,..., as a whole, a synchronized flashing operation is obtained.

When the distance between the first vehicle 400 and the following vehicle is relatively short, the synchronization control circuit 65 determines whether the start of irradiation of the first vehicle headlight 500 is detected, as described above. Since the operation of holding the reset circuit 62 in a non-operating state even when the irradiation of the vehicle headlight 500 of the succeeding vehicle is detected is performed within a period until a predetermined time T elapses from FIG. , The reset signal is not continuously output from the reset circuit 62, and the light emitting diode 19 continues the blinking operation based on the blinking start timing changed by the headlight 500 of the first vehicle 400. Will do it.

By thus prohibiting the output of the reset signal from the reset circuit 62 for a predetermined time T, the problem that the flashing start timing of the light emitting diode 19 is frequently changed, that is, the curbstone tack is generated. It can be expected that the driver of a vehicle traveling far and behind will not be confused by the driver.

Although the above embodiment has been described with respect to a curbstone tack as an example, the present invention is also applicable to a road tack, a gaze guide mark, and the like.

[0044]

According to the present invention, there is provided a light detecting means for detecting the start of irradiation of vehicle headlamp light to ancillary equipment, a reset for inputting an irradiation start detection signal from the light detecting means and simultaneously outputting a reset signal to a frequency dividing circuit. And a circuit,
At night, when the vehicle headlight is illuminated, the illuminator is flashed with this illumination start time as a new flashing start timing, so that not only subsequent vehicles but also currently passing vehicles Also, effective gaze guidance can be performed.

Also, even if the light detecting means detects the irradiation of the next vehicle headlight during a period from the time when the light detecting means detects the start of the irradiation of the first vehicle headlight to the elapse of a predetermined time, it is reset. The problem that the flash start timing of the illuminant is frequently changed, that is, the driving of the vehicle traveling far behind the curbstone tack, because the synchronization control circuit that keeps the circuit inactive is provided. It can be expected that there is no danger of misleading people.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a curbstone tack as a flashing-synchronous road incidental facility using vehicle headlight light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the curbstone tack.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electric system of the curbstone.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the electric system.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of an electric system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a road showing an example of setting a curbstone tack;

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f Curbstone tack (road-related equipment) 14 Solar cell 17 Power storage unit (electric double layer capacitor) 19 Light-emitting unit (light-emitting diode) 56 Flashing control circuit 57 Day / night discrimination circuit 60 Oscillation circuit 61 frequency dividing circuit 62 reset circuit 63 light detecting means 65 synchronization control circuit 500 vehicle headlight

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A solar cell, a power storage unit for storing an electromotive force of the solar cell, a luminous body, a day / night determining circuit for determining nighttime, an oscillation circuit, and dividing an output signal of the oscillation circuit. A frequency dividing circuit, which is disposed on an energizing path from the power storage unit to the light emitting body, and performs a switching operation in synchronization with an output signal of the frequency dividing circuit when night is determined by the day / night determining circuit. A road accessory provided with a blinking control circuit for intermittently supplying power of a power storage unit to the light emitter; a light detection unit that detects the start of irradiation of vehicle headlight light on the road accessory, A reset circuit for outputting a reset signal to the frequency dividing circuit at the same time as the input of the irradiation start detection signal, and when the vehicle headlight is irradiated at night, the irradiation start time is set to a new blinking start time. Flashing synchronous road associated equipment by the vehicle headlight optical, characterized in that for blinking the light emitter as a ring. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light detecting means detects a next vehicle headlight light during a period from when the light detecting means detects the first irradiation start of the vehicle headlight light until a predetermined time elapses. A flashing-synchronous road supplementary facility using vehicle headlights, comprising: a synchronization control circuit that keeps the reset circuit inactive even when irradiation is detected.